Riding Along the Coasts and Through the Valleys of Puglia, the Heel of Italy
by Bike tour guru
The heel of Italy, strapped between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, is a gem of the Italian mainland. Fishing villages line the coasts of Puglia, where locals still set out each morning in search of bounties of marine life. Coastal roads line the shoreline, offering beautiful panoramic views. And there is simply no better way to experience the beauty and culture of this stunning region of Italy than on a bike tour in Puglia .
In the far southern portion of Italy, Puglia offers incredible cycling, delicious food, and picturesque views. We'll ride through the valley of Itria, viewing the peculiar white trull dwellings this region is famous for, and along the coast to Leuca. Along the way we'll pass villages like Santa Cesarea Terme, which is famous for its beautiful and unique Moorish architecture. Every ride offers something different, from lush valleys to sparkling coasts and olive groves to fishing villages. The diversity is simply unrivaled.
The cycling in Puglia is relaxing and simple. Enjoy the open roads in peace while riding along at your own pace. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can go for the Century Ride to the heel of Italy on day two of the trip. There are options every day for extra riding for those more advanced riders, but Puglia is perfect for riders of all levels. No matter where you go, the scenery is spectacular, so regardless of how far you ride, your cycling experience will be filled with wonder.
All along the way, satisfy your taste buds and take in the delectable bites of the Puglian cuisine. Miles and miles of olive groves line the landscape, an obvious clue that olive oil is going to a major player in the local recipes of the region. The area is also well known for it's cheese and lamb, as the heel of Italy was once one of the most prominent shepherding regions. Today, you'll still find wonderful lamb preparations at many of the local eateries, and we'll be sure to hit all the best.
Of course, the region has great seafood as well. Surrounded by hundreds of miles of coasts, Puglia has plenty of opportunity for catching fresh fish from the crystal blue water. So if you want some delicious and fresh-caught seafood to wind up on your dinner plate, all you have to do is ask. You can count on it being perfect.
In case you fall madly in love with the Puglian cuisine, which we know you will, you'll get to participate in a cooking class with the award-winning chef at Torre Maizza. With the skills you learn from the master, you'll be able to whip up an authentic Italian dinner anytime you like.
And we haven't forgotten about the wine. Puglia produces more wine than any other region in Italy, and is also a huge producer of grapes. Recently, Italian vintners have begun experimenting with their own wines, rather than shipping out their product to other areas like Turin or France. Puglia has a complex variety of great local wines, waiting to be tasted and enjoyed, and we'll have the privilege of several wine tastings with local vintners.
For a beautiful getaway, a cycling vacation in Puglia is tough to beat. Ride with friends and family, meet new people with similar interests, and let yourself relax under the leadership of our expert local guides while cycling through the heel of Italy.
